Well I am heading into my second month as a teacher and all I have to say is, "just keep swimming Scotti!" Some days are good, some days are not so good and some days I think, what am I doing here? But in fact I know why I am here. This is what I am meant to do. I have no doubt, no reservations, no what if's. Special education is what I was meant to do and not to sound conceded, but I think I am pretty good at it. I have worked from both ends of special education spectrum. I can't say I've seen it all but I have seen quite a bit in my short time working in the profession. Here are some things I think you should know...
1. This is my BIGGEST pet peeve. When I tell someone that I am a special education teacher, about 8 out 10 times the response I get is.."oh bless your heart, it takes someone very special to do that." I want to say, NO BLESS YOU HEART! Bless your heart that you don't get to know and teach these wonderful children! Bless your heart that you think you know what I do everyday.
2. Please don't refer to my students as "those" children. Because honestly I will not understand who you are talking about. Are you referring to "those" children as the ones that can more than likely out bowl you? Or "those" children that can make 5 out of 5 shots from half court line in the gym? Or "those" students who can draw insanely well?
3. Remember, child first! Please don't refer to little Johnny as the autistic boy. The correct way is Johnny is a 16 year old boy with autism. The ruling (autism in this example) does not define the child. Oh and just because you know one child with autism doesn't mean you know everything about autism.
4. Most of these children love to be in the social setting. They love to be a part of a group. They are just like everyone else. They want to be accepted and want to be loved. Who doesn't want that?
5. Please do not assume when you see me, or any other special education teacher correcting a student that we are being mean to them. Most of my students know right from wrong. And they are to be corrected just as any other student. Now the way they are to be corrected will be different from other students but they will be corrected.
6. Everyday is a new day. They probably won't remember why they made you mad yesterday so you shouldn't either.
These are just a few things I think everyone needs to know about students with disabilities. I love my job and the people and the children I work with. I love the feeling of a full heart and knowing that is coming from work. I love the feeling of learning something new. One of the best feelings is when you see the child truly grasp a concept. Nothing can replace that!
No comments:
Post a Comment